South Korean match fixers have playing bans made global
By Andrew Warshaw
January 10 – The scourge of global match-fixing has once again come under the spotlight with FIFA extending worldwide the life bans of 41 South Korean players.
Rangers CEO slams league plans and threatens to quit Scottish football
By Andrew Warshaw
January 10 – No sooner have plans been announced to revolutionise Scottish football’s league structure than one of the country’s two most famous names has poured scorn on the new proposals.
FIFA moves to help cut agents costs and influence at clubs
By Andrew Warshaw, Chief Correspondent
January 9 – FIFA has made further progress in a move to help clubs deal directly with each other during transfers rather than employ agents.
Bernstein ups fashion role as his English FA exit nears
By David Owen
January 9 – David Bernstein, the English Football Association (FA) chairman, is to step up his involvement with Ted Baker, the well-regarded fashion group.
Mihir Bose: Football’s moral quagmire
Let us get this right. Luis Suarez is no more a cheat than most football players. I agree with those that argue that the moral spasm his handball goal has evoked is way over the top if not a touch hypocritical. I wonder if the critics have been to many football matches or if they have perhaps been too busy with other things to concentrate on what they are seeing.
If we are saying Suarez was cheating,
Saudis abandon Greek investment plans after shareholders look closer to home
By Andrew Warshaw
January 9 – Saudi investors have pulled out of a plan to take a majority stake in Panathinaikos following opposition from shareholders of the stricken Greek giants.
North Korean star crosses divide to play in the South, via Germany
By Mark Baber
January 9 – North Korean striker Jong Tae-Se (pictured) is moving from 1. FC Köln to South Korean K-League club Suwon Samsung Bluewings. He has reportedly signed a contract worth 400 million won and the Koreans have paid 1. FC Köln €300,000.
2013 Africa Cup of Nations ticket sales pick up after slow start
By Mark Baber
January 9 – The Africa Cup of Nations (ACON), which kicks off in 10 days time, is struggling to meet ticket sales targets, but organisers say sales are picking up as the tournament nears.
Scots reach landmark deal for revamp of domestic leagues
By Andrew Warshaw, Chief Correspondent
January 9 – Scottish football looks set to enter a new era after agreement was reached between the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Football League for a total overhaul of the professional league structure.
FIFA punishes Bulgaria and Hungary with ‘closed-doors’ qualifiers after racist fan incidents
By Andrew Warshaw, Chief Correspondent
January 9 – In what could be construed by some observers as a clear message to its European counterpart to crack down harder on racism, FIFA have taken strong action against Bulgaria and Hungary for the behaviour of their fans.
Blatter stresses football must unify, not separate, people
January 8 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter in his speech at last night’s FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala addressed the importance of taking risks and accepting defeat gracefully, the racist issues that have dominated the news, and concluded with a reminder of the significance of the game globally.
Angry and saddened Boateng would walk again
By Andrew Warshaw, Chief Correspondent
January 8 – Kevin-Prince Boateng, whose anti-racism stance by leading his AC Milan team off the pitch gained worldwide publicity, says he’d have no hesitation in doing it again if he is subject to further abuse.
FIFA, AFC and F-MARC plan first seminar to improve player health in Asia
By Mark Baber
January 8 – The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is organising a first of its kind FIFA-AFC Football Medicine Regional Course – Central and South Region, starting January 14, 2013.
Malaysian sports minister calls for limiting terms of sports association leaders
By Mark Baber
Janaury 8 – Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek has called for a comprehensive study on the proposal to limit the terms of sports association leaders.
Lazio face further UEFA disciplinary action over fans’ racist chanting
By Andrew Warshaw
January 8 – UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Lazio following the Europa League tie against Tottenham Hotspur in November that was marred by anti-Semitic abuse from the home fans and violent attacks on Tottenham supporters outside a bar the night before the game.